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‘Every day we learn about new ways in which people from across society are capitalising on the technology to realise their ideas and enrich people’s lives.

On the left is 3D printed design representing
'Imaginary Beings', titled 'Pneuma 2', designed by Professor Neri Oxman
in 2012. The right image shows a 3D printed Loop light, by Assa Ashuach

Journalist and presenter Evan Davies poses with a 3D printed model of himself in the exhibition '3D: printing the future' in the Science Museum on October 8, 2013 in London. Mr Davies' model features his arm in a sling due to him being scanned in August 2013 whilst recovering from a broken wrist

A technician checks on a 3D printer as it constructs a model human figure in the exhibition '3D: printing the future' in the Science Museum

HOW DO 3D PRINTERS WORK?

3D printers allow objects of any shape to be created from a simple digital file.

They work in an extremely simple way, by building up a 3D object from layers of material.

Like a traditional inkjet printer, material, usually plastic, is laid down on a base.

Further layers are simply printed on top, gradually revealing a 3D object.

The technology is used in a huge range of industries from construction to aerospace.

Shoes, jewellery and even dresses have been created, with designs often sold online.

Many believe it could even lead to 'mini factories' for living rooms allowing consumers to print anything they want - from a bracelet to a replacement part for a broken household appliance.

‘Our exhibition aims to shine a light on the latest developments and discuss where the technology may take us in future.’

3D: printing the future will introduce the latest technology and process behind 3D printing and take visitors on a journey through three key sectors in which the technology is driving innovation – industry, medicine and small-scale projects and businesses.

3D printers allow objects of any shape to be created from a simple digital file. They work in an extremely simple way, by building up a 3D object from layers of material.

Like a traditional inkjet printer, material, usually plastic, is laid down on a base. Further layers are simply printed on top, gradually revealing a 3D object.

The technology is used in a huge range of industries from construction to aerospace. Shoes, jewellery and even dresses have been created, with designs often sold online.

Many
believe it could even lead to 'mini factories' for living rooms
allowing consumers to print anything they want - from a bracelet to a
replacement part for a broken household appliance.

The exhibition will provide a glimpse into a medical future where doctors may be able to use 3D printing technology to create drugs that can be tailored to each patient's needs. 3D printed ankle, insole foot and hand orthotics are shown in this image

3D printed models of human figures, scanned from real-life individuals, are displayed in the exhibition

Stories featured in tomorrow's exhibition will include the new ways in which the medical industry is researching 3D printing to fix our bodies by creating replacement parts, from teeth to ears and even simple organs.

It will also provide a glimpse into a medical future where doctors may be able to use 3D printing technology to create drugs that can be tailored to each patient’s needs.

How engineers are using 3D printing to create lighter and more efficient parts for aeroplanes and space probes will also be addressed.

Carpenter Richard Van As’ 3D printed an artificial hand, following an accident in which he lost four fingers will be on dispay. He has made the plans for this hand freely available to anyone online.

3D printed maxillo facial implants, by Renishaw are shown on the left. The right image shows a 3D printed 22.5 per cent scale model of the 1938 Bristol Mercury radial aircraft engine, by Peter Nicholson

A 3D printer constructs a model human figure. The free exhibition will run in the Antenna gallery at the Science Museum for 9 months from 9 October 2013

A 3D printed architectural solar analysis model for National Bank of Kuwait, by Foster and Partners, London, England, 2013 is shown on the left. A 3D printed blood vessel made from animal cells and 3D printed bladder made from animal cells, both by the University of Liverpool, are pictured on the right

Meanwhile, an artwork - Inversive Embodyment by Tobias Klein – will show a sculptural piece printed in nylon using data from MRI scans of Tobias Klein’s own body and the iconic structure of St. Paul’s Cathedral.

The exhibition will also feature a number of miniature 3D printed figures created from 3D scans of visitors who will take part in workshops at the museum during the summer holidays.

3D: printing the future is a free exhibition and will run in the Antenna gallery at the Science Museum for 9 months from 9 October 2013.

3D printed 'Retro Font Word Pen' samples, with 8-bit font on side and ball point pen inserts will be on display. These pens were created by Brandon Watt from Ontario, Canada

The '3D: printing the future' exhibition, which goes on display at the Science Museum in London, will showcase the creative fruits of recent 3D printing projects. Pictured is the Horse Marionette, 5/20 by Michaella Janse van Vuuren